Explain the exemption process in your area

[emma1325]

If you have had experience with the vaccine exemption process, please tell us:

-where you live

-a brief summary of how it works in your state

and

-tips on what to be aware of when attempting to obtain an exemption in your state

[alegna]

Texas

1. Send off for exemption forms (can now be done online)

2. Receive forms in mail

3. Take one, fill out, have notarized and sign in presence of notary.

4. turn in.

In TX you CAN exempt from individual vaccines if you wish.

-Angela

[cocoanib]

subbing, excellent thread.

[MyBoysBlue]

-where you live: Alberta Canada

-a brief summary of how it works in your state: There is no exemption needed it isn't legislated.

and

-tips on what to be aware of when attempting to obtain an exemption in your state: Some people will still try to tell you that it is required but it isn't.

[emma1325]

Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi

I've had experience in Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi.

(I'm currently in Tx)


Louisiana - has medical, philosophical, and religious exemption. To obtain a philosophical or religious exemption, a parent must write a letter stating that he/she is religiously or philosophically opposed to vaccines. As far as I know, this letter can be turned into schools in place of shot records. No notarizing necessary. I hope that if someone has more or different info on La that she/he will mention it, as my personal experience was 5 years ago.

Texas - has medical, philosophical, and religious exemption. To obtain a philosophical or religious exemption, one must request an exemption from the state (can be done online.) Exemption will arrive in the mail, must be notarized and turned into schools in place of shot records. I just enrolled our girls into two different schools with our exemptions...had no problem whatsoever. Was very easy.


Mississippi - has only medical. Very unfriendly state for non or selective vaccinating families. Unless your child has nearly died from a vaccine (and it's medically documented) don't expect to get an exemption from any doctor (and they require a Mississippi doctor to write the exemption.) If you luck out and get a MS doctor to write the exemption for you, it needs to be approved by the health department. Don't expect it to be approved...it probably won't be. They love to deny waivers. If you are a non or selectively vaccinating family and are planning to live in MS, plan to homeschool.

[Fyrestorm]

I'm in CT.

I jut wrote a Generic "vaccination is against our sincere religious beliefs" letter and included the state statute.

I also wrote a similar letter for the school entry physical exam. (CT requires a physical every 2 years)

I had no issue what so ever with the vaccine exemption. The school nurse said she had never seen an exemption for the physical before though and would get back to me if there was a problem. I told I made it easy for her to look up the statute as it's right there on the letter. All she needs to do is google it.

Well, I haven't heard anything yet and school starts in a few weeks.

[Evergreen]

where you live
NC, USA

-a brief summary of how it works in your state
Type up a letter stating that vaccinations are contradictory to your bona-fide religious beliefs include the state statute. Sign.
and

-tips on what to be aware of when attempting to obtain an exemption in your state
It's really easy. Don't over think it. No need to notarize and they can not ask what your religion is.

[Mirzam]

Colorado.

When you get the vaccination form from daycare, preschool, public/private school, fill in your child's name, turn it over and sign either the religious or philosophical exemption and hand it in. It is that easy. I have never had so much as a raised eyebrow.

[traycanadian]

Washington State

Download this form from the Dept. of Health, fill out the 2nd page by checking which exemption you choose (medical, philosophical or religious) for any or all vaccines. Sign and submit to school.

http://www.tpchd.org/files/library/54e965f88bd1176e.pdf

This only needs to be submitted once per school.

[lolabelle]

Missouri

MO has Medical and Religious Exemptions

"philosophical" is seems goes under the umbrella of Religious exemption.

I go to the County Health Dept. and pick up an exemption card, mark Religious Exemptiom box and turn in with school paperwork. No notary required. Simple. I assume the schools also have the cards available, but I would rather avoid any conversation with them and just get the card myself. I picked up several at one time so I have my own stash!

This stays on file and I don't have to do it again until my preschooler enters Kindergarten. I think my first grader is good to go and still on file with the school since I did this last year when he entered Kindergarten. I guess I will find out. I have never had anyone question me.

[JBaxter]

Maryland

I signed the bottom of the medical form that I had my ped fill out ( physical , lead test etc)
That was it. Nathan is partially vaccinated but they dont have any of the vax info on is school records

[tysmamaca]

Hi, I am from NC and my son starts Kindergarten in a couple of weeks. I have yet to send in his exemption so I am glad this thread started My question is does anyone have a generic form that I can print out and just fill in my name, my son's name, the date, ect. I had one saved on my old computer that crashed last month (or course). I would appreciate it. I am very nervous and hope his school doesn't give me a hard time, I wish I knew of someone else (in real life) that has done this, but I trust you ladies!

[Jugs]

-where you live
New York

-a brief summary of how it works in your state
Write a letter explaining your personal religious beliefs and how they apply to vaccinations, giving enough detail to adequately express your beliefs but not enough to leave your beliefs open to excessive scrutiny. Then pray that the principal (who has the power to approve or or deny your exemption) feels that you have demonstrated a belief that is sincere and genuinely religous in nature... and doesn't have an axe to grind. You will be notified within 30 days. If your exemption is aproved by the principal, then you are good to go until your child changes schools (even if its within the same district), at which point you'll need to do this all over again. If your exemption is denied, you have an opportunity to submit "supporting evidence" for the principal to re-evaluate your request for exemption, or file an appeal with the Education Commissioner and have the entire school board rip apart your beliefs.

-tips on what to be aware of when attempting to obtain an exemption in your state
Get in touch with Gary Krasner before you submit your letter. He can still help you if your request in denied, but it soooo much easier to just get it right the first time.

[Evergreen]

Originally Posted by tysmamaca

Hi, I am from NC and my son starts Kindergarten in a couple of weeks. I have yet to send in his exemption so I am glad this thread started My question is does anyone have a generic form that I can print out and just fill in my name, my son's name, the date, ect. I had one saved on my old computer that crashed last month (or course). I would appreciate it. I am very nervous and hope his school doesn't give me a hard time, I wish I knew of someone else (in real life) that has done this, but I trust you ladies!

This link should work for that. It's near the bottom.
http://www.vaclib.org/exempt/northcarolina.htm